May 15, 2015

She lived a few houses down from me. She was often outside working in her yard or sitting on her front porch reading. We’d wave when I drove by and sometimes I’d pull over and chat with her for a few minutes. One thing I noticed in the years that we shared the same neighborhood was that she was always smiling...I'm at Laced With Grace today. I'd love for you to stop by and read the rest of my post, She Chose Joy.

May 9, 2015

It was thirteen days before my wedding. I woke up that morning and I knew something
was wrong but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I went through most of the day in a bit of a
funk and I had no idea why. I was quite
happy the day before so where had this sudden sadness come from? It wasn’t
until later that day when for no reason at all tears began to flow and the
words, I miss you, Mommy came out of my mouth.

It was bittersweet planning my wedding without her by my
side. I knew how excited she would have
been and the thought of her not being there on my special day hurt more deeply
than I could ever explain. I admit I cried it out that day, and wrote her a
little poem in anticipation of my wedding day.

Dear Mommy,

Today is my
wedding day, the day you always wanted to see

Your presence
would have meant the world to me.

You would
hug me close, with tears streaming down your face

You’d say
through your tears, “My baby’s getting married today!”

You’d gather
us all together for a time of prayer,

Your powerful
words of blessings would bring us all to tears.

Throughout the
ceremony your smile would brightly shine,

While memories
of my childhood flowed through your mind.

I miss you,
Mommy you were my very best friend,

I’m ever so
blessed that your presence once graced my life.

Today, I’m
sure a tear or two will flow, but I promise you,

There will
be much laughter and dancing as we celebrate this joyous day.

I love you
Mommy! Thank you for all that you’ve done

For always
being my number one fan.

I hope that
our heavenly father will let you peek down from above,

To get a
glimpse of your baby girl and the man that she loves.

Forever your
baby,

Bernadine

P.S Some tears did flow but they weren't by me. I think I got it out of my system before the wedding:)